What cheap capture devices are YOU using?

[Chris Barcellos]

Originally Posted by Kevin Beswick

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but the idea of capturing the footage from the dvx with a cheaper camera seems very risky. I always was told that a system is only as good as its weakest link. I can't help but think the quality of the heads on the dvx are far superior to the heads on a $400.00 camera. Wouldn't the signal to noise ratio be worse, and wouldn't you have the higher possibility of drop outs from different head alignment? It seems to me that the heads you recorded on would be the best heads to capture on also. I know that of course head wear will be an issue, but really, if I'm busy enough to wear out the heads in the course of 3 or 4 years, I'd think buying a new camera would certainly be in the budget. Are there any other reasons for this? I have an old original Canon Optura, which still works remarkably well, and i'd be able to capture on it, but I can't help but think i'd be losing something in the translation. Any thoughts?

Its not a signal to noise ratio issue. It is a question whether the cheap camera can read and transfer the ones and zeros on the tape to the computer for editing, and most DV camera are pretty standard in that respect.